A historic market place in London has started to reopen after stalls were gutted by a huge blaze.
Eight people were evacuated as the blaze, which lasted an hour-and-a-half, ripped through stalls.
Damaged stalls had to be demolished and removed.
Other remedial work was needed as part of a huge clean-up operation.
A fortnight after the fire, the first stalls, those on the opposite side to where the blaze erupted, reopened on Monday.
Stalls affected by the fire remained closed.
A fireman tackling the blaze on Tuesday morning
Toni & Guy Kingston
Kingston Council leader Andreas Kirsch said: “We know how much the Ancient market means to the local community and we’d like to thank everyone for their overwhelming support.
“I’m really pleased that the market has started to reopen.”
He added: “For some traders, reopening will take a bit longer.
“We understand how difficult this is and we’re working to support them, but the safety of everyone who uses the market is our priority so we cannot rush the recovery.
“The Ancient Market is at the heart of our local community and we are looking forward to welcoming everyone back, and for the Christmas market arriving soon.”
He has been inundated with support from customers and has raised nearly £14,000 from 580 donations.
Tim the Fish who has operated in Kingston Market for 30 years
Tim the Fish
Speaking about his fundraiser, Tim said: "A devastating fire has forced my stall to close.
“Unfortunately, I did not have insurance in place, which means I am now facing the full financial impact of what has happened.
"On top of losing my livelihood, I am left with significant debts for fresh stock that I can no longer sell to the people in our local town.”
He added: "After more than 30 years of working hard and serving my community, I never imagined I would find myself in a position where I would have to ask for help.
"Any money raised will go towards helping cover the stock and debts I have been left with, the losses caused by the fire, and hopefully giving me a chance to rebuild and get back on my feet.”
The aftermath of the blaze
Toni & Guy Kingston
A cordon was put in place while police officers and firefighters tried to establish the cause of the fire.
A market has been located in Kingston for centuries, with the oldest surviving records dating back to the early 1200s.
The Ancient Market is home to more than 25 permanent stalls and trades seven days a week, from 10am to 5pm.
It includes a fishmongers, greengrocers, florist, an artisan bakery and a number of food stalls.
Fish stalls at the outdoor market at Kingston-upon-Thames in 1956
Getty
The Between The Bridges market operator was appointed by Kingston Council to run Kingston Ancient Market from 1 April 2025.
It has experience operating the Southbank ‘Between The Bridges’ market, Clapham’s Venn Street Market and Winterville.
On taking over the running of the Kingston market, it stressed that it wanted to transform it into a vibrant, distinctive venue that fosters a strong sense of community.
It proposed installing new market stalls, refurbishment of the Market House for a new restaurant/cafe, relocating a statue, more external seating, better waste storage facilities and improved toilets.